What’s the first destination that comes to mind when you think flop and drop holiday? How about adventure and water sports? Fishing? A honeymoon or wedding destination perhaps? I bet you said the South Pacific.
The South Pacific islands are filled with the promises of uninterrupted reading by the pool, snorkelling with colourful marine life, and romantic sunset cocktails and cruises. Everyone from honeymooning couples to families and retirees are onboard with the idea!
So what’s the most economical way to get there: a cruise or DIY resort holiday? Cruise of course! Here’s why.
All Of The South Pacific Islands In One Cruise
South Pacific cruises departing from Australia usually visit at least two destinations, but often many more. Whether you want to discover the French influence in New Caledonia or the beautiful nature in Vanuatu or Fiji, you can get all three on some cruises!
So how does it compare to flights?
If you were to plan a holiday flying from Australia, you would need to factor in the price of flying between these island destinations, as well as flights to and from home base, which can quickly increase the price.
Savour the culinary delights onboard RCI. Image: RCI
All-You-Can-Eat Everything
No doubt you’ve heard of, or perhaps even experienced the glorious cruise ship buffet. A magical food hall filled with all of the sweet and savoury snacks, entrees, main and desserts you can think of. Ticking off culinary creations from right around the world, you can dine in Italy one night and Mexico the next.
It’s not just about the buffet though. Pacific island cruise ships are no second rate hotel, they come complete with celebrity chef restaurants, private dining rooms with degustation menus, burger bars and sushi restaurants to rival those found in Tokyo. Of course many on-land island resorts offer excellent dining, but few have as many options as these cruise ships.
A Bliss Haven Courtyard Penthouse suite onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. Image: NCL
Your Bed Moves With You
Not only can you explore multiple islands for one low price, you don’t have to pack and unpack in every new place! This is also great when budgeting for your holiday, because accommodation costs don’t vary in each new destination you visit, on a cruise it’s one price for the whole trip.
Plus, stateroom class upgrades are often not as much as you might expect, so you could end up in room more spacious and luxurious than you ever thought you could afford!
Talk to a consultant about the price of different stateroom classes and which location on the ship might suit you best.
The Edge Zipline onboard Carnival. Image: Carnival Cruises
Activities Galore
Waterslides, barefoot bowls, rock climbing, zip lining, simulated sky diving and surfing and more, there’s absolutely no chance of being bored on a South Pacific cruise. Not a fan of adrenaline activities? There are plenty more options onboard, from table tennis and quoits on the deck to learning the art of cocktail making in a mixology class, karaoke, sports courts, jackpot bingo, dance classes and more!
Flop and drop onboard P&O's Pacific Aria. Image: P&O
The Ultimate Flop And Drop Destination
Fancy a spa treatment? How about a lazy day by the pool? A cocktail with lunch? Maybe lunch on your pool lounger rather than dressing up for a restaurant? Basically on a South Pacific cruise, all of your holiday dreams and requests come true. With kids clubs and babysitting, spa services and butlers in premium cabins, you really can flop and drop at the click of your fingers.
cruise ocean cruise south pacific
